Blockade
The U.S. Navy has initiated a blockade of Iranian ports, restricting shipping vessels from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz. The move was ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump and is intended to put pressure on Iran in negotiations to end the war. U.S. Navy vessels have also begun the process of locating and removing mines from the Strait to reopen safe passage through the channel. The blockade comes after U.S. Vice President JD Vance attended negotiation talks in Pakistan but left without a deal.
Analysis and eternal perspective: War is ugly. As we continue to encounter new aspects of this truth, we continue to pray as a community for those in harm’s way and for those shouldering wartime decision making responsibilities. May God grant them wisdom and all of us a lasting peace.
In terms of the blockade, the stated goals of the U.S. are to, a) turn up the pressure on Iran negotiators to agree to U.S. terms for a ceasefire, and b) establish safe passage for all vessels through the channel. By blocking Iranian ports, Iran’s economy is bound to suffer, though it remains to be seen whether that tightening will impact Iran more significantly than it does the patience of the rest of the world.
We’ve considered this dynamic before, but as a Jesus follower and regardless of your perspective about the new blockade, your heart and prayers should be inclined to those negatively impacted. This includes the people of Iran and the greater Middle East region, service members in harm’s way, and energy consumers all over the world who are dealing with rapidly increasing energy costs.
On that last point, you have an opportunity to be aware of need around you. It is unclear how long this disruption will last, but make it a point to be aware of those who might be particularly vulnerable during this time. Look for ways to be the tangible hands and feet of Jesus to them in their moment of very practical need.
We often turn to Matthew 25:35-40 to guide the way we think about practical acts of service. The thrust of the passage is that you serve as the vessel to meet very tangible needs of those around you, and in doing so you serve the King!
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matt. 25:40).
The preceding article originally appeared in Thann’s “The Equipped” Weekly Newsletter. For more information on Thann’s weekly email, click here.